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Pope Francis Shows Improvement in Health After Pneumonia Battle
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis is exhibiting signs of recovery after a two-week struggle with pneumonia. According to a medical update released by the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff continues to be hospitalized due to a complex medical condition.
As of Friday morning, the Pope was reported to have spent another “peaceful night” and is currently resting at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Italian news outlet Ansa cited sources from the Vatican indicating that the Pope has moved beyond the “critical phase” of his illness.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on 14 February, following several days of experiencing breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, the pontiff was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs. A recent update on 22 February revealed that he faced a respiratory crisis and was in critical condition. However, shortly thereafter, the Vatican reassured that he had not experienced any further respiratory issues.
The following day, the Pope addressed the faithful, asking for prayers as he was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. The Vatican has stressed that while improvement is noted, “further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis.”
The Pope is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia due to a previous history of medical issues, including pleurisy—a lung inflammation he suffered as a young man—and a partial lung removal. His health challenges have necessitated multiple hospitalizations throughout his 12-year papacy, including a bout of bronchitis treated at the same facility in March of the previous year.
Originating from Argentina, Pope Francis holds the distinction of being the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to assume the role of the Roman Catholic Church’s leader.
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